A CONTROVERSIAL high-speed train link has been branded a "white elephant" amid doubts that motorists will switch to the new rail service.

Ministers have set out plans for a £30bn new high-speed line that will initially run from London to Birmingham and then on to Manchester and Leeds.

There is a promise that it will eventually continue further North.

Kevan Jones, Labour MP for North Durham, said: “It is a white elephant that will do nothing for the North East. What we need is the same amount invested in existing rail infrastructure, including the East Coast Main Line.

“That would have far more benefit for the North East and national economy.”

Liberal Democrat MP Ian Swales, who represents Redcar, stressed the importance of investment. He said: “We are pretty fortunate to have a pretty good rail link, but it needs investment. I have actually written to the transport minister to that effect recently.

“I feel high-speed rail is of doubtful benefit to the North East. But if the rest of the country is connected we have got to get on the network because it would be disadvantageous to us if we are not.”

Ronnie Campbell, Labour MP for Blyth Valley, said: “I am beginning to wonder myself if it is a complete waste of time. We could do better things with the money.”

And North East Tory peer Lord Vinson branded it a “fantasy project”, adding: “Most politicians are ambitious and they won’t listen to advice. They think it is a prestige thing.”

He said money would be better spent on upgrading “pathetic” road links and the east coast rail route to increase capacity at a fraction of the cost.

Polling by the AA motoring organisation shows a minority of North East drivers will use high-speed rail if available for a journey they usually make by car.

Just 34% would switch, while 35% would not, compared to 31% who don’t know.

When asked which is the most telling factor in choosing between the car and high-speed rail, just 3% said speed compared to 65% saying cost.